MDS - Frequently Asked Questions

I have very little experience with the MDS, will this training be appropriate for me?

The MDS 3.0: An Introduction course is designed to cover everything from the basics of the Resident Assessment Instrument, to the complexities of the coding, as well as an overview of the scheduling and Care Area Assessment process. While this course is appropriate for all experience levels, if you have little or no experience working with the MDS we strongly recommend viewing CMS’s archived webcast, “MDS 3.0- An Introduction” at this link: http://surveyortraining.cms.hhs.gov/pubs/
VideoInformation.aspx?cid=1074This webcast will provide you with a solid foundation for understanding the training materials that will be presented.

When and where does the School of Public Health do MDS training?

We do one series in the spring and another in the fall. We regularly offer sessions in the Albany (Capital District) area, Syracuse, Rochester or Buffalo, and in the NYC area. If there is enough interest, we would consider other locations.

How can I register for an MDS workshop?

You must complete a registration form (see link in right hand column) and send it with your payment to our office (address on registration form).

How can I get a registration form?

There is a link on the right-hand column of this page to the registration forms for both the Basic and Advanced workshops.

Can I register by phone?

No, we cannot take registration by phone.

What if there isn't time to send my registration and payment before the scheduled workshop?

We will accept registration by fax (518-402-1137) only if you cannot get payment to us in time. You will need to send your payment separately.

Can you take credit cards?

We do not currently take credit cards (although we hope to do so in the near future). Payment must be made by check or money order made payable to University at Albany.

How will I know where to go for the workshop?

You will receive a written confirmation approximately 5 days before the workshop with directions to the workshop location.

If I find I cannot attend the workshop, can I get a refund?

In order for you to receive a refund for a confirmed registration, we must receive your cancellation request in writing before the workshop date. A $25 processing fee will be deducted from the refund. Subsitutions are welcome.

How do I become certified in MDS?

There is no certification process for MDS that is recognized by New York State. We provide a certificate of attendance for our workshops.

We give participants in our MDS course an MDS 3.0 User’s Manual. You can also print a copy of the manual from the CMS website at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/mds20/man-form.asp